AQW 29404/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 08/02/2022
Answered On Date: 17/02/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) any involvement she has had in cases of local councils’ allegations of non-compliance with pavement café licence conditions against business owners; and (ii) what advice she is giving to both businesses and councils in respect to (a) the rules governing these licences, and (b) the resolution of any disputes.

Answer:

My Department has not had any involvement in non-compliance cases raised by local Councils who are the lead authority in licensing pavement cafes. My Department was involved in providing guidance to DfC relating to requirements for ensuring that the safe operation of the footway is not compromised by the erection of a pavement café and are a consultee to the process. Where the erection of a pavement café causes difficulty for users of the footway and an appropriate licence isn’t in place, my officials will seek to have the matter addressed.